Chanukah in Chicago 2008 - A Blogosphere Extravaganza, Part I

Hi, all!

I have lots to tell you, and some more fun pictures to share. I had such a wonderful time in Chicago, visiting friends and family, and I had a chance to visit with some good friends from the blogosphere!

First up - a Chanukah party! I was home for such a relatively short time, and I wanted to see so many lovely people, so why not throw a party?!? I invited a bunch of friends from high school and from my days at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute camp (the best Jewish overnight camp in the world, if I do say so myself). Unfortunately, my school friends weren't able to come, so it turned into a mini-camp reunion, with a sing-a-long, grab bag present exchange, and lots of yummy food. AND, one of my camp friends happens to be a blogger, too - your friend and mine, Bradley Egel from The Egel Nest.

Here's Bradley, with his sister, Susan. They are both SO GREAT - I feel like our families are cut from the same cloth. I wish we could all hang out more often - darn that 700 miles between Chicago and New York!

My brother, Ricky, and me - we had such a fun time preparing for the party, and he was in charge of the "artistic vision" of the shindig :)

My adorable parents - they were so thrilled to be with everyone, and they sang along with every song. Thanks for being so wonderful, Mom and Dad!!


A shot of the song session - we sang camp songs, Indigo Girls ("Galileo" and "Closer to Fine," of course!). Bradley's son, Sammy, was shaking a tail feather in the middle.

A marvelous time was had by all - hooray!!

Happy Chanukah!

Wishing you all a Happy and Bright Chanukah!

To learn more about Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, you can visit Judaism 101 or Wikipedia.

Happy Chanukah!

Hope your holiday season is filled with light, love, and laughter!

Check out the "Chanukah Countdown Party"

Only SIX DAYS left until Chanukah, the Holidays of Lights! Jews all over the world celebrate the miracles, victories, and heroes of the Chanukah story for eight days. Beginning on the night of December 4, we will sing songs, eat Latkes (potato pancakes) and Sufganiyot (jelly donuts), light menorahs, spin dreidels, and give presents to our friends and families.

My friend and colleague, Phyllis, is hosting a Chanukah Countdown Party on her blog. There are lots of wonderful tips for celebrating, including some green Chanukah ideas. Plus - best part - a GIVEAWAY!!

Go ahead, visit her party by clicking on the graphic below.